10 things to do before the baby arrives

Nine months seems like an eternity when you first discover you’re pregnant, but the weeks fly by, and before you know it you’ll have a newborn on your hands. Here are our top 10 things to do while you still have time.

By Lynne Roberts

Go away for the weekend

Weekend breaks become a thing of the past when you realise you need as much luggage for a night as a fortnight, and it takes as many days to pack as you’ll actually be away. Plus, cities and young kids don’t always mix, so take the opportunity now to explore somewhere you’ve always wanted to go.

Check in online and enjoy travelling light, but make sure you check with your airline before you go as most have a cut-off point after which they won’t let you fly.
Go on a date

You may take it for granted now, but pretty soon your relationship is going to change forever. It will never be just the two of you again, so make the most of it and spend some quality time together before it’s too late. In months to come even a quiet dinner or movie will cost an arm and a leg and require military scheduling around babysitters and sleep routines, so grab your chances while you can.

That spur of the moment date will be a golden memory in months to come.
Pamper yourself

Motherhood is like a crash course in selflessness. For the next few months (or years) me-time is likely to be in short supply, so indulge in a little self-maintenance and make sure you’re in good shape for the job ahead. Make the most of your longer nails with a manicure, or have a relaxing massage to ease those pregnancy aches and pains.

Have a long bath with essential oils, a relaxing foot soak or just treat yourself to some luxurious creams and lotions – you deserve it.
Have a haircut

Right now your hair is longer and glossier than it’s ever been, but several months post-baby you’ll stare at your lank locks and realise to your horror you’ve barely looked in a mirror for months. Think ahead and go for a new ‘do’ that will be easy to maintain once the baby comes along.

Don’t do anything drastic though, as that short crop will just make your face look even rounder. Go for longer layers or a side parting, which will help elongate your face and stay the distance between those ever-decreasing trips to the salon.
Indulge your nesting instinct

There are all sorts of things you could do to make the most of your last months of freedom. However, in reality, there comes a point where all you really want to do - is clean. Holding back will just make you twitchy, so indulge your nesting instinct and scrub the house from top to bottom.

Go wild. Hoover the walls, clean out the cupboards and colour-code your bookshelves. Then sit back and enjoy it while it lasts. At some point over the next year you’ll look around and realise you haven’t done any cleaning in months…
Have a lie in

Broken sleep is part and parcel of pregnancy, and with a newborn waking every few hours it could be months before you get a good night’s rest. Insomnia can leave you feeling exhausted during the day so insist on a lie-in whenever you get the chance. Prop yourself up with cushions or a body pillow to help support your back and bump. Then switch off your mobile, read the paper and doze until lunchtime.
Go shopping

Hormonal changes, weight gain and dodgy skin can all leave you feeling less-than-glamorous during pregnancy. Plus, once you’re down to one wage money could be tight for a while, so treat yourself to some guilt-free retail therapy while you’re still earning.

Think of it as an investment. You don’t have to blow the budget on clothes that won’t fit for long, but some new shoes, accessories or make-up will all give you a boost and help you feel good about yourself in months to come.
Have sex

Swinging from the chandeliers may be out in your condition, but with hormones on your side and time on your hands now’s the time to have as much sex as you can handle. It won’t harm your baby and providing you’ve had no complications you can keep going for as long as it’s comfortable. Your midwife may even suggest it to help bring on labour if you’re overdue.

You may be more sensitive than usual so try positions which allow for shallow penetration and don’t put pressure on your bump – sitting, standing and you on top are all a safe bet.
Have a girl’s night out

Despite your best intentions friendships change when you have a baby, especially if your mates don’t have kids themselves. Six months from now you’ll be on the lookout for ‘mum-friends’ who are happy to talk endlessly about sore nipples, nappies and night-time routines.

Your real friends, however, will be around for years to come, so make the most of their company before you reach the point of no return. Get glammed up, go out with the girls and think about something other than being pregnant for a few hours.
Read a book

You know that book you’ve been meaning to read for ages but never found the time? Now’s the time. Baby brain may or may not exist, but once you’ve got a newborn on your hands you won’t have the time or the inclination to read more than the instructions on your baby monitor. And if you do pick up a book chances are you’ll nod off after two pages which you’ll re-read next time to remind yourself where you were…
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